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Owning and Operating a Car |
Driver's License
With two exceptions, anyone living in the state of Queensland and driving a car here must have a Queensland driver's license. You may drive legally in Queensland if you have a current International Driver's License (issued for one year only) and your home country driver's license in your possession while you drive. It is advisable, however, to obtain a Queensland license even if your international license is still valid.
The other exception is if you have an interstate drivers license that is still current. You can live in Queensland for three months before you have to change this over.To get an Queensland license, you must go to the Department of Transport Office, there is one within walking distance of the College on Nerang-Southport Road. You will need your passport,
International/Interstate drivers licence, and ICMA I.D. card for identification. You will need to fill out a license application form, pay a non-refundable application fee, and take the vision and written tests. In addition to these tests, you will be required to take a "road test." To make a road test appointment you may need to complete an approved safe driving course with an accredited driving school.
You may make an appointment for your road test by calling the motor vehicle office. Before the test begins, the license examiner will explain the test procedures. Immediately after the test is over, the examiner will tell you whether or not you passed.
Those who want to learn to drive need to apply for a Learner's Permit. While driving with a Learner's Permit the student must have a licensed driver in the car. If you need to learn to drive, you will find driver education courses listed in the Yellow Pages of the Gold Coast Telephone Book.
It is very important to learn and follow traffic regulations. Regulations concerning driving speed, turning, and parking are used to control automobile (and bicycle) traffic in Australia. There are also severe penalties for drinking alcohol and driving. Most people generally adhere to those regulations, and the regulations are enforced by the police. Violations of traffic regulations are punished by fines, jail sentences, and/or loss of driving privileges. Cars which are parked in violation of
regulations may be towed away, and the owner required to pay a fine, towing costs, and storage costs.
Queenslands Safety Belt Law
Queensland has a law requiring the use of seatbelts by the driver and all other occupants of any car, truck, or van. Children must be secured in a child restraint system which meets federal safety standards.
There is a fine of more than $200 for not "buckling up," and the driver can be fined if passengers are not wearing seatbelts.
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